Best Car Accident Lawyers in Highland

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Highland, California?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Highland Police Department is (909) 387-8313.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Highland, California?

  To get a copy of the police report for the accident in Highland, submit your Public Records Request form to the City Clerk. You may download the form here: https://www.cityofhighland.org/DocumentCenter/View/3295/PRR-form-PDF. Send the filled-out form to bhughes@cityofhighland.org or to the City Clerk’s office at 27215 Base Line.

• What happens if your car is driven by someone else and gets into an accident in Highland?

  If you let somebody else drive your car and he gets into an accident in Highland caused by a driver in another vehicle, the other driver will be held liable for the incident. If the person driving your car caused the crash, liability would be determined through your auto insurance policy terms and whether or not you permitted your car to be used by another person. If you gave permission to use your vehicle, your insurance coverage would extend to the driver who caused the crash. If the person who drove your car did not have your permission, then he would be responsible for the accident.

• How do you define reckless driving in Highland?

  Reckless driving in Highland is defined as "a person who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." Examples of reckless driving include speeding, tailgating, racing, ignoring stop signs and signals, and road rage. Stiffer penalties apply if reckless driving causes an accident and results in bodily injury or death.

• Who is liable for the accident if someone driving a rental car hits you in Highland?

  If someone driving a rental car hits you in an accident in Highland, he is liable for the incident and can use his insurance policy to cover damages. Rental car agencies require drivers to get liability insurance, which they can use if they do not have personal vehicle insurance. If these options do not work, you will need to rely on your personal car insurance instead. A combination of all these options can also be used.

• If a drunk driver causes an accident in Highland, will insurance companies pay for the damages?

  Insurance companies in Highland will examine the circumstances of a car accident before taking action. If it is proven that the drunk driver was not at fault, the insurance company would argue this and need not cover the cost of a claim. If the drunk driver is proven to be partially responsible, the insurance of both parties involved in the accident will coordinate to discuss and settle compensation. If the drunk driver were at fault, the insurance would cover the damages if the accident was unintentional but would void the policy if there was illegal activity involved on the driver's part.

• Who will be held liable for an accident in Highland caused by a self-driving car?

  Self-driving car accident liability can be attributed to the human driver or the self-driving vehicle manufacturer. But it should be proven that the car’s auto-pilot system was turned on during the accident in Highland. California's Vehicle Code 38750 states that self-driving cars should have safety alerts in case the computer fails. If a driver was not able to regain control during an emergency, he could be held responsible for the car accident. Vehicle manufacturers could be held liable if it is proven that there are manufacturing or design defects in the self-driving car involved in the accident.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.